Staying safe from phishing

For conservative and careful computer users, phishing is a name that is synonymous with scammers trying to hook private data and banking details. For those that have been caught in this deceitful net, phishing is a name that will never be forgotten after losing private savings lodged in their bank account in a matter of seconds.

How is it done?
Phishing is typically carried out by email or instant messaging. The message directs users to legitimate looking but fake websites to enter bank account details and personal information. Even experts find that it takes tremendous skill and experience to detect whether the website is in fact fake.

These phishing emails always contain clever words and phrases, alerting you that “routine maintenance” is being done to your bank’s servers, asking you to “verify your account” or “confirm billing information”. Often the mails are designed so well that they will feature the bank’s logo and include the bank’s name in the email address.

Other Forms of Phishing
Recently I’ve started receiving many emails congratulating me on becoming an instant millionaire. I’ve won the Canadian Lottery ($1 500 000) twice and the UK lottery (£2 000 000) four times. I’ve also succeeded in winning lotteries, strangely enough from Microsoft and Yahoo. Of course in order to claim the prizes I had to send my banking details.

There are also some more harrowing emails coming through suggesting I’ve made a very “shady” purchase on my credit card. “You bought product X online and it costs $1 000. Click here to confirm the transaction and enter your credit card details in order to cancel it”. This can send shivers down the innocent reader’s spine since it can be easily mistakento be true. The user immediately cancels the transaction and give all the relevant info the scammers require.

What to do
Victory is in the bag for the phisher as soon as you bite, so never click on the links inside of these emails.
Banks will never send you an email or call you requesting your pin, bank details and especially the last three numbers on the back of your credit card. The best advice is to never send or share these via the web or phone.

If you are unsure always call your bank or antivirus supplier to check with them whether the call or email is either legitimate or illegal.